10 Things to Do in Budapest: A Guide to the City’s Top Attractions
Budapest is the capital and largest city of Hungary, and it’s a destination that has something for everyone. From its rich cultural and historical heritage to its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in Budapest. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things to do in the city, including famous landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique experiences that will help you get to know this beautiful and dynamic city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something in Budapest that will appeal to you. So come along as we discover the best that this city has to offer!
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How to Visit
Where to eat
The Buda Castle
The Buda Castle is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located on the Buda side of the city, this castle is a testament to Hungary’s rich history and cultural heritage. Built in the 13th century, the castle has served as a royal palace, a fortress, and a museum, and it’s now one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
The castle is situated on top of Castle Hill, which offers breathtaking views of the city and the Danube River. Visitors can explore the castle’s museums and galleries, which feature exhibits on Hungarian history, art, and culture. The castle is also home to the Hungarian National Gallery, which showcases the country’s finest artworks.
When visiting the Buda Castle, be sure to take some time to wander around the castle grounds and take in the stunning views. You can also visit the castle’s chapel, which is home to one of Hungary’s most important historical artifacts: the Holy Crown of Hungary.
Tips for visiting the Buda Castle:
– The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and the light is better for photography.
– Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved in exploring the castle.
– The castle is easily accessible by public transportation, and there is a funicular that takes visitors up to the castle from the base of Castle Hill.
The Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located on the banks of the Danube River in the city center, this stunning building is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It’s also the largest parliament building in Europe and the third largest in the world.
The Parliament Building was designed in the Gothic Revival style and was completed in 1902. It’s an impressive building that’s worth a visit just to see its architectural features, including its ornate facade, grand entrance, and beautiful interiors.
Inside the Parliament Building, visitors can take guided tours that will take them through the building’s impressive halls and chambers. You’ll get to see the Hungarian Crown Jewels and other historical artifacts, as well as learn about the country’s political history and how the parliament works.
Tips for visiting the Hungarian Parliament Building:
– The best time to visit is in the morning, when the crowds are thinner and the light is better for photography.
– Guided tours are the best way to see the inside of the building, as they provide a lot of historical context and information.
– The Parliament Building is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the Parliament Building, as it’s a formal and respectful setting.
Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman’s Bastion is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located on the Buda side of the city, this iconic landmark is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a beautiful and historic place that offers stunning views of the city and the river.
Fisherman’s Bastion is a terrace with seven turret-like towers that was built in the 19th century. It’s a popular spot for photography, and it offers some of the best views of the city and the river. Visitors can walk around the bastion and take in the views, or they can sit down at one of the cafes or restaurants that are located nearby.
When visiting Fisherman’s Bastion, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the city and the river. You can also visit the nearby Buda Castle and other attractions on Castle Hill after your visit to the bastion.
Tips for visiting Fisherman's Bastion:
– The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and the light is better for photography.
– Fisherman’s Bastion is busiest on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if you want a more peaceful experience.
– The bastion is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– You can walk to the bastion from the Buda Castle or take the Buda Castle Hill Funicular to get to the top of Castle Hill.
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located in the city’s beautiful City Park, this bath is one of the largest and most popular in Europe. It’s also a great place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing.
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is a large complex that features several indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage treatments. The water in the pools is rich in minerals and is said to have therapeutic properties. The bath is also a popular place to socialize, and many locals come here to swim and chat with friends.
When visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, be sure to bring a swimsuit, a towel, and some flip-flops. You can also rent a locker to store your belongings. If you want to indulge in some extra pampering, you can book a massage or a beauty treatment.
Tips for visiting the Széchenyi Thermal Bath:
– The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and the light is better for photography.
– The bath is busiest on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if you want a more peaceful experience.
– The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Don’t forget to bring sunscreen if you plan to spend time in the outdoor pools.
St. Stephen's Basilica
St. Stephen’s Basilica is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located in the heart of the city, this basilica is one of the most important religious and cultural landmarks in Hungary. It’s named after the country’s first king, St. Stephen, and it’s the largest church in Budapest.
The basilica is a stunning building with a grand facade and a beautiful interior. It’s worth a visit just to see its architectural features, including its ornate altar, intricate frescoes, and beautiful stained glass windows. The basilica is also home to several important historical artifacts, including the mummified right hand of St. Stephen.
Visitors to the basilica can attend Mass or take a guided tour to learn about its history and architecture. The basilica also hosts concerts and other cultural events throughout the year.
Tips for visiting St. Stephen's Basilica:
– The best time to visit is in the morning, when the crowds are thinner and the light is better for photography.
– Guided tours are the best way to learn about the basilica’s history and see its interior, but you can also explore on your own if you prefer.
– The basilica is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the basilica, as it’s a formal and respectful setting.
The Chain Bridge
The Chain Bridge is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in Hungary. It’s a suspension bridge that spans the Danube River and connects the Buda and Pest sides of the city.
The Chain Bridge was the first permanent bridge to be built across the Danube, and it was completed in 1849. It’s a beautiful and historic bridge that’s worth a visit just to see its architectural features, including its grand towers and ornate lamp posts. The bridge is also a popular spot for photography, and it offers stunning views of the city and the river.
Visitors to the Chain Bridge can walk or bike across the bridge and take in the views, or they can take a boat tour of the river to see the bridge from a different perspective. There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby that offer outdoor seating with great views of the bridge.
Tips for visiting the Chain Bridge:
– The best time to visit is in the evening, when the bridge is lit up and the views of the city are especially beautiful.
– The bridge is busiest on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if you want a more peaceful experience.
– The Chain Bridge is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the city and the river.
The Hungarian State Opera House
The Hungarian State Opera House is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located in the city center, this stunning opera house is one of the most famous cultural landmarks in Hungary. It’s a beautiful building that’s worth a visit just to see its architectural features, including its grand entrance, ornate interiors, and beautiful chandeliers.
The Hungarian State Opera House is home to some of the best opera and ballet productions in the country, and it’s a popular venue for classical music concerts as well. Visitors can buy tickets to attend a performance, or they can take a guided tour of the opera house to learn about its history and architecture.
When attending a performance at the Hungarian State Opera House, be sure to dress appropriately and arrive early to get the best seats in the house. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink at the opera house’s restaurant or cafe before the show.
Tips for visiting the Hungarian State Opera House:
– The best time to visit is in the evening, when the opera house is open for performances.
– The opera house is busiest on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if you want to avoid crowds.
– The Hungarian State Opera House is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Be sure to check the opera house’s schedule in advance to see what performances are on during your visit.
Take a stroll along the Danube Promenade
The Danube Promenade is a popular attraction in Budapest that offers stunning views of the city. It is a walkway along the river that stretches for several kilometers, and it is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
As you stroll along the promenade, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the fresh air. You’ll see the Buda Castle and the Hungarian Parliament Building in the distance, as well as the many bridges that span the river.
One of the highlights of the promenade is the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial, which is a tribute to the Jews who were killed by fascist Arrow Cross militiamen during World War II. The memorial consists of a series of bronze shoes on the bank of the river, and it serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities that took place during the war.
The Heroes' Square
The Heroes’ Square is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located in the city’s beautiful City Park, this square is one of the most important cultural and historical landmarks in the city. It’s a great place to learn about Hungarian history and culture, and it’s also a popular spot for photography and picnics.
The Heroes’ Square is home to several important monuments, including the Millennium Monument, which honors Hungary’s historical and cultural achievements. The square is also home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which pays tribute to Hungary’s fallen heroes.
Visitors to the Heroes’ Square can take a guided tour to learn about the monuments and the history they represent, or they can simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the beautiful park. There are also several cafes and restaurants nearby where you can relax and have a meal or a drink.
Tips for visiting the Heroes' Square:
– The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the crowds are thinner and the light is better for photography.
– The Heroes’ Square is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Be sure to dress appropriately when visiting the square, as it’s a formal and respectful setting.
– Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the surrounding City Park, which is home to several other attractions, including the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the Budapest Zoo.
The Central Market Hall
The Central Market Hall is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Budapest. Located in the city center, this bustling market is one of the most popular landmarks in the city. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, try local food and drink, and immerse yourself in Hungarian culture.
The Central Market Hall is a large, three-story building that’s home to hundreds of stalls selling everything from fresh produce and meats to handmade crafts and souvenirs. Visitors can browse the stalls and sample local food and drink, or they can sit down at one of the market’s many food stalls and restaurants to enjoy a meal.
When visiting the Central Market Hall, be sure to bring some cash and be prepared to haggle with the vendors. You can also take a guided tour of the market to learn about its history and culture.
Tips for visiting the Central Market Hall:
– The best time to visit is in the morning, when the market is busiest and the stalls are fully stocked.
– The market is busiest on weekends, so try to visit on a weekday if you want a more peaceful experience.
– The Central Market Hall is easily accessible by public transportation, and it’s located near other major attractions in the city.
– Don’t forget to try some local food and drink when you visit the market, as it’s a great way to get a taste of Hungarian culture.
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